Gregg vs Georgia by Laura Carmony

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Transcript of Gregg vs Georgia by Laura Carmony

Gregg v Georgia By Laura Carmony Who? Troy Leon Gregg 1973-1979 the state of Georgia What? Gregg challenged his remaining death sentence for murder, claiming that his capital sentence was a "cruel and unusual" punishment that violated the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments. Gregg was imprisoned within the state of Georgia after he was found guilty of murdering two people in 1973. Following his trial, the jury found Troy Leon Gregg guilty and originally sentenced him to death. Troy Leon Gregg was the first person in the history of the United States whose death sentence was accepted by the United States Supreme Court. Where? The trial took place in the state of Georgia. v. Is the imposition of the death sentence prohibited under the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments as "cruel and unusual" punishment? Georgia's Argument The court found that Georgia’s system for applying the death penalty was “judicious” and “careful.” Gregg had gone through two trials – one to determine guilt and one for sentencing. Furthermore, they felt his crime was worthy of the death penalty. Gregg's Argument Gregg claimed that his death penalty was "cruel and unusual", and violated the Eighth and Fourteenth U.S. Amendments. Therefore, he felt it was unconstitutional. The Court's Decision and Reasoning In a 7-to-2 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the state in Georgia in Gregg v. Georgia. The United States Supreme Court stated that the execution of Troy Leon Gregg was Constitutional due to the fact that Mr. Gregg was tried, head and sentenced through a formal judicial system. Therefore, he was deserving of his sentence.